Plastic sealing composition



Patented June 9, 1942 PLASTIC SEALING COMPOSITION Floyd R. Smith, Wilkinsburg, Pa.

No Drawing. Application March 18, 1940, Serial Claims.

This invention relates to a plastic sealing composition for filling and sealing joints between metallic members and the like, particularly where such joints are subjected to atmospheric extremes. For example, a composition of the character stated may be advantageously employed in expansion joints for bridges, highways, etc., of the type shown in my application of even date, Serial No. 324,726.

My invention contemplates a composition for such purposes which will retain a high degree of plasticity during the usual atmospheric temperature extremes, without undue fluidity under heat or hardening when cold.

It is also an object to provide a composition which will be substantially free from oxidation under atmospheric extremes to prevent undesirable hardening and cracking.

A still further result is sought hereby through the provision of a composition having the above characteristics and also possessing a lubrication value and providing protection against rust for the parts to which the same may be applied, as for example, in said bridge, highway and other metallic joints.

In general, my improved sealing composition comprises a petroleum base mixed with suitable ingredients to impart adhesive properties thereto together with a rust inhibitor and densifier, and fibrous matter, the product being characterized by its substantial plasticity at atmospheric temperature extremes.

I have found petroleum jelly to be a suitable properties to said petroleum base, I prefer to add a sticky elastic material such as liquid asphalt thereto. To a proportion of the total composition of from 40 percent to 50 percent by weight of the petroleum jelly, is added from 5 percent to 15 percent by weight of liquid asphalt, the

the proportion by weight of from 25 percent to 35 percent of the total composition. The red lead is preferably in the form of powder of a fineness' such that not more than 1 percent will be retained upon a No. 325 sieve. In addition to its rust inhibitive property, thered lead densities the resulting composition with the other ingredients.

From 10 percent to 20 percent by weight of fibrous material or strands is mixed with the foregoing constituents in order to enhance the body of the composition and maintain its plasticity at upper atmospheric temperatures. I have found long asbestor fibers of a commercial grading 0-0-511 to, be satisfactory for the stated purposes.

The ingredients stated are combined within the range of proportions given, and are mixed by agitation at a temperature at or about 200 degrees Fahrenheit, the resulting product being plastic and readily applicable to its intended use without further treatment.

The following example illustrates a composition within the range of proportions stated which has proved entirely satisfactory under atmospheric temperature extremes:

Percent by weight Petroleum jelly 44.34 Liquid asphalt 11.33 Powdered red lead 30.47 Long asbestos fiber 13.86

The composition herein set forth retains its plasticity throughout atmospheric temperature extremes, has lubrication value for metal parts, and is substantially free of hardening due to oxidation. In addition, the same has sufficient body so as to be readily applicable to cracks, joints, and the like, with accompanying adherence so as to remain in place under the said atmospheric conditions.

I claim:

1. A plastic sealing composition comprising a mixture of petroleum jelly, liquid asphalt, powdered redlead and fibrous material, the composition having a plastic consistency throughout atmospheric temperature extremes.

2. The composition of claim 1, wherein the powdered red lead is of a fineness such that not more than 1 percent will be returned on a No. 325 sieve.

3. The composition of claim 1, wherein the liquid asphalt has a Saybolt Furol viscosity of from 1000 to 1500.

i. A plastic sealing composition having the following ingredients and proportions:

Percent by weight Petroleum jelly 40-50 Liquid asphalt 5-15 Powdered red lead 25-35 10-20 Long asbestos fiber 5. An expansion joint filler composition having the following ingredients and proportions:

Percent by Weight Petroleum jelly 44.34

5 Liquid asphalt 11.33 Powdered red lead 30.47 Long asbestos fiber 13.86 

